Named after one of history’s most influential inventor Edison, the six-story building has been redesigned by Adjaye Associates, maintaining the tone of the structure throughout with both the original external and internal features being preserved. Generous ceiling heights and large windows of the existing building naturally create an open, loft-style working environment at the Edison.
Adjaye has redesigned the reception space to evoke the feel of the building’s external structure. The combination of concrete flooring with fiber cement ceiling and walls create an overtly industrial sensation. The space also features a domineering bespoke concrete desk, illuminated glass ceiling panels, red marble desktop and red leather banquette seating to create an arresting impression.
The top floor will also be entirely restructured to create a penthouse office. The penthouse is being envisioned to offer panoramic views over the city centre. This is planned to be achieved through floor-to-ceiling glazing at the rear, which will lead onto a sheltered terrace. The floor, walls and ceiling have been designed as seamless surfaces extending out onto the terrace in order to make the transformation as uninterrupted as possible. MLC is also planning to make the penthouse as its office headquarters.
The Edison comprises six floors, including the ground floor. Each floor will retain its loft-style, open-plan space and will be accessed from a single core. To ensure the loft feel, the cabling system in each of the units will be distributed via suspended metal trays to ease the maintenance of any electrical and data needs, when required.
The existing concrete floors, columns and ceilings have been retained and are undergoing repairs. They will be clear sealed further in order to preserve the quality of the material for the future. The striking brick and render frontage of the building is also being retained with the application of a dark stain wash, which will transform the overall appearance of the building.
Sustainability elements are also taken into account while redesigning the Edison. Adjaye Associates have proposed a number of methods to reduce the need for mechanical heating, cooling and lighting such as introduction of high performance double glazing on its large windows, which will maximize the natural light into the offices; introducing a high spec venting strategy to allow for night cooling; placing ceiling fans in the centre of each space to encourage internal air flow and natural ventilation; insulation and lining of the perimeter walls to increase the thermal performance of the building; and reduce wasteful heat loss through the façades.
Additional components being incorporated to minimize the environmental impact of the development include: the installation of energy-efficient lifts and an improved rain water system, which will minimize water loss and misuse.
The redevelopment project is expected to complete in October 2010. The redevelopment of the Edison is also the first office project for Adjaye Associates.
